Christmas History Buffer
Christmas Day has historically been known as a day of peace. But, did you know that the first time Christmas was celebrated as a holiday was in the year 98. It would be another 40 years before it was officially adopted by the church as a Christian festival.
It wasn't until the fifth century that the day of its celebration became permanently fixed on the 25th of December. Prior to then, it was celebrated in April, May and sometimes December, but most frequently in January.
The story is told that the iconic music evangelist, Ira Sankey was asked to sing one Christmas eve while traveling by steamboat up the Deleware River. He sang the "Shepherd Song" to the delite of the crowd. When he had ended his song, a rugged man with sun-aged skin approached him and asked if Mr. Sankey had served in the Union Army? "Yes, in the spring of 1860!" Mr. Sankey answered. The man then asked, "Can you remember if you were doing picket duty on a certain bright, moonlit night in 1862?" Sankey, obviously surprised, said he had indeed.
The stranger replied "Me too, but I was a Confederate soldier. I was hidden in the shadows, but I could see you clearly. I determined to end your life. As I raised my musket and drew aim, you suddenly raised your eyes to heaven and began to sing. I was moved, so I took my finger off the trigger and thought to myself, 'I will let him finish his song. I can shoot him afterwards.'
But the song you sang then was the song you sang just now. I heard the words perfectly:
'We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way.'
Those words stirred up many memories in my heart. As a child, I had heard my mother sing that song many times. When you had finished your song it was impossible for me to take aim at you again. I thought, 'The Lord who is able to save that man from certain death must surely be great and mighty."
God moved in to spare Ira Sankey and Ira went on to become one of the most notable revivalist singers of American history. Thousands can trace their conversion experience to one of the many revivals he led with Evangelist Dwight L. Moody.
What a great and might God we serve. I hope that as you celebrate Christ this Christmas, your prayer will be, "let their be peace on earth and goodwill to all men." Take time with your family to celebrate Christ. He is great and mighty to save!
Merry Christmas!
